At Glens Falls Hospital, we have worked hard to prepare for and respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Our team’s efforts have truly been heroic as they have answered the call to serve our friends and neighbors through this unprecedented challenge.
We want to assure you that we are taking extraordinary precautions to protect our communities and minimize the disease’s impact on the people we serve.
Glens Falls Hospital has made significant adjustments to its operations and services in order to devote all available resources to keep our patients, community, and employees safe. These adjustments include:
- Temporarily suspending planned and scheduled surgeries as per governmental mandate
- Restricting visitors
- Asking COVID risk screening questions and checking the temperature of all individuals arriving at our entrances
- Requiring masks to be worn by all employees, patients and authorized visitors
- Expanding telehealth visits for primary, specialty, and emergency care patients
- Instituting an in-house Respirator Reprocessing Lab, using state-of-the-art UVC lighting to destroy virus and bacteria
- Instituting an in-house 3-D printer , operating 24 hours a day to manufacture protective shields for the protection of our colleagues
- Developing separate triage and treatment zones for COVID-19 patients
It’s important to know we have implemented extensive safeguards to ensure patients receive the safest care possible and that Glens Falls Hospital facilities are safe places for patients and employees. We have advanced screening, sterilization and cleaning processes in place, a team of environmental service experts working diligently, adequate supplies, and all necessary materials to support your health and safety.
With a sustained reduction in the rate of new COVID-19 cases, and guidance from state and national government officials, we are pleased to announce that Glens Falls Hospital can now begin to perform select outpatient surgeries and procedures that were previously postponed due to the pandemic.
Safe Emergency Care Today
Many patients have waited to visit their doctor or even the emergency room out of respect for our urgent COVID-19 patients or concern of exposure to the virus. However, patients should NOT delay emergency care. When early symptoms are ignored, health conditions can worsen quickly and lead to lasting damage.
Our team of physicians, nurses and other caregivers has gone to great lengths to ensure that our Emergency Department is a safe environment that will allow us to provide lifesaving care. We want patients to know that they can trust our team for safe emergency care today.
Glens Falls Hospital is prepared to treat all patients. We have incorporated COVID-19 safety measures into our everyday operations, which include separate triage and treatment zones for COVID-19 patients within our Emergency Department, to ensure all patients receive the safest care possible.
Restarting Outpatient Services
Our patients are at the forefront of everything we do. That’s why we’re taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients. We are also working closely with government officials and following the criteria and guidelines provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For outpatient surgeries, GFH is following the guidance of the American College of Surgeons, the CDC, and the New York State Department of Health.
Safeguards are in place for patients scheduled for surgery or an outpatient procedure. In our continuing efforts to protect patients and employees, and in accordance with government guidelines, here’s what patients can expect prior to their surgery:
- All patients will undergo a pre-screening and a COVID-19 test within three days of their scheduled surgery or procedure. For added safety, patients will receive detailed instruction upon scheduling and will be encouraged to follow additional precautionary guidelines 14 days prior to their procedure.
- When a patient receives a negative test result, they’re notified of their surgery or procedure time. If their test is positive, their case is canceled, and they’re advised of the next steps.
- Patients will be instructed to wear a mask when coming to the Hospital.
- Click here for a downloadable PDF of pre and post operative instructions.
Upon arrival at the hospital or surgery center, patients can expect to be screened upon entry to the facility and will receive additional screenings before their procedure. This ensures everyone’s safety.